Responsible leadership is a core value for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, and we instill leadership qualities in all of our young women by encouraging active participation in extracurricular activities and project-based learning through community service. Because it is important that our programs be student-led and generated, our young women are highly encouraged not only to participate but to create their own clubs and service-learning organizations.

Students are responsible for meeting weekly with their groups, electing club officers, participating in planning and managing their club’s budget. They are required to conduct leadership meetings and conduct presentations to the Campus Leadership Team that outline their clubs’ efforts and work.

In addition, YWLA has a strong partnership with Girls, Inc., a non-profit organization whose goal it is to empower young women to pursue the biggest dreams they can dream. Girls, Inc. girls are uplifted by the strength of a national organization that is committed to inspiring the leaders of tomorrow.

During five parent/student sessions, facilitators from the organization present a curriculum that supports healthy social and emotional growth. Parents and students participate in “Growing Together” seminar sessions that are co-sponsored by Girls, Inc. and the Junior League of San Antonio.

We also host a guest speaker series designed to inspire our students to create their own leadership legacy as they get to know prominent women in the community. Previous guest speakers have included Mayor Lila Cockrell; attorney Sonia Rodriguez; Rackspace founder Dirk Elmendorf; state Rep. Mike Villarreal; Suzanne Wade, HEB vice president; April Ancira, Ancira Motors and author of Barefoot Heart Elva Treviño Hart.